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Prima Festa Reimagined

April 8, 2021

Hey #Guelph! Rotary is bringing back an oldie but a goodie from the 70s while supporting our friends from @ICCGuelph and supporting local community groups. #supportlocal

Back after a 30-year hiatus is a re-imagined version of Prima Festa May 1, 2021 as it returns to Rotary’s list of special events with COVID-19 style. Guests are requested to pick up their delicious Italian meals at the Italian Canadian Club in a “take out - eat in” at home mode. Pickup instructions will be sent to registrants several days prior to the event. Each Prima Festa Dinner ticket is $75 with a tax receipt in the amount of $40.

DRIVE-BY DINNER IN A BAG - MAY 1, 2021

Order online here no later than April 27

A Virtual Culinary Evening in support of KidsAbility

April 10, 2021

Our friends at KidsAbility invite you to join a fun and interactive three course gourmet cooking class in the comfort of your own home on Wednesday, April 21 from 5pm to 7:30pm. Any ability can join, no cook is left behind! Registration includes a donation to KidsAbility, plus receiving all the cooking ingredients and online instruction from experts.

ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES ON MONDAY, APRIL 12 AT 12 NOON! DETAILS BELOW

Well-known chefs Jody and Kirstie from The Culinary Studio in Waterloo Create will guide participants to create this delicious meal from scratch.

Please be advised it is a two step registration process.

The actual cooking event is on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 5:00pm - 7:30pm

$125 (serves 2)

How to Participate:

1. Make your minimum donation of $35 (click here)

2. Register for the event - $90 + HST (click here)

A ZOOM link will be sent closer to the event date.

For all event details please see The Culinary Studio website or email Paige Phillips at KidsAbility.

Mother's Day Fundraiser helping Food4Kids Guelph

April 8, 2021

Food4Kids Guelph is excited that Royal City Nursery is offering a generous donation to the charity from the sale of beautiful hanging baskets in time for Mother's Day on May 9, 2021.

What a great way to recognize and thank the Moms in your family, while also helping local children in need, and supporting a precious local business!

Quantities are limited so order soon. Orders can be picked up from the Royal City Nursery parking lot on May 6th and 7th, in a safe COVID-19 style with Food4Kids volunteers bringing items right to your car.

Click here to order.

Mystery Car Rally in support of "Sunrise" - POSTPONED, JUST A BIT

April 8, 2021

NEWS FLASH! THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED AND WILL NOW TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, JUNE 13, 2021

Here's a wonderful spring activity for your Covid "bubble" to have fun while doing good and helping the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre in Puslinch, Ontario. This "Mystery Car Rally" on Sunday, ~~May 16~~ June 13 is limited to 40 cars, so be quick to register if you'd like to participate! Email fiona@sunrise-therapeutic.ca or call 519-837-0558 ext 35.

Next webinar "Finding the balance during Covid-19"

On April 6, 2021 at 7pm, join

Dr. Anne-Marie Zadjlik, primary care physician and
Helen Fishburn, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington, with
special guest Dr. Nicola Mercer, the GWD public health unit's medical officer of health,

as they talk about finding the physical and mental health balance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds raised support Bracelet of Hope and other local charities.

Here is the link to register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_J9N1Dr9NSM2a4m8QOACaTQ

The Rotary Foundation (TRF), your donations and your PHF points

March 27, 2021

There are three common acronyms at Rotary that are important to know:

RI - Rotary International
TRF - The Rotary Foundation (of RI)
PHF - Paul Harris Fellow

Read on to learn more, also about an Honourary PHF, and how donors can track their overall donations online.

New member: Welcome Dave Menegotto

March 26, 2021

The Rotary Club of Guelph welcomes Dave Menegotto as its newest club member.

Professionally, Dave has worked at Sutherland Insurance for the past 18 years where he is an accounts manager. In the community, Dave is a fan of the Guelph Storm, the Blue Jays, and he is a volunteer with the Stanley Stick Hockey Association in Guelph, an organization for youth that allows everyone to play and encourages a lifelong love for sports.

We warmly welcome you and your family to our club, Dave!

Another Rotary Paint Night Success

March 21, 2021

Once again, a happy crew of artists followed Ben McCarl's step-by-step instructions for another virtual paint night on Sunday evening on March 21. The subject this time was a sweet giraffe dreaming of spring. And what beautiful creations were produced! Well done, everyone. And thank you, Ben.

Have some laughs, and do some good

March 19, 2021

This hour-long online fundraiser is taking place on Saturday, April 10, 8.00 pm and tickets are $50 per household, including a $25 tax receipt. The funds raised will be used to support local charities and projects in the Guelph Wellington community through the Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium Foundation.

You can purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/3vrlNo7

Mystery Car Rally in support of "Sunrise"

March 20, 2021

Here's a wonderful spring activity for your Covid "bubble" to have fun while doing good and helping the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre in Puslinch, Ontario. This "Mystery Car Rally" on Sunday, May 16 is limited to 40 cars, so be quick to register if you'd like to participate! Email fiona@sunrise-therapeutic.ca or call 519-837-0558 ext 35.

International Women's Day 2021

March 8, 2021 - UPDATE

To women everywhere - our thoughts are with you today on International Women's Day, March 8. IWD is an annual event recognized by the United Nations, for the 110th year in 2021. Here's a good summary to learn more (including an answer to the question - is there an International Men's Day?)

Join us at Guelph Wellington's event today honouring four additional Women of Distinction in our community.

February 27, 2021

This year's Guelph Y "Women of Distinction" recognition is a scaled back event but going ahead for the 25th year, in a new partnership with Innovation Guelph for a fabulous International Women's Day celebration on March 8, 2021.

We could not be more proud of these Rotarians from our club who will be honoured during the virtual celebration.

Cyndy Moffat Forsyth (Member RCOG)
Dr. Anne-Marie Zadjlik (Member RCOG)
Charlotte A.B. Yates (Hon. Member RCOG)

Get your tickets here for $29 and receive access to the online marketplace of female entrepreneurs and a fabulous celebration of women in our community!

Next webinar "Finding the balance during Covid-19"

Register here for the next #COVID19 webinar on Tuesday, March 9 at 7pm. With a focus on young people, Anne-Marie Zajdlik and Helen Fishburn will speak with Justin Wisdom, a young entrepreneur, & Dr. Joanna Henderson, ED, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario.

REGISTRATION LINK:

https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_rd5Ie1W_S0yiqKkOTPvmxA

Another Rotary Paint Night 'Dreaming of Spring'

March 5, 2021

Join Rotarian Ben McCarl for another virtual paint night on Sunday evening, March 21, 2021 at 6pm.

It's open to all, free to attend, and we suggest saying thank you to Paint Night volunteers by donating to the Integrated Youth Services Network (IYSN) to help local youth cope with tough times. Donate any amount through our Rotary Club of Guelph site on Canada Helps and designate "2021 Paint Night".

Participants will supply their own materials (see list below) to paint this charming giraffe which is 'Dreaming Of Spring'.

Space is limited, so register early. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Register at bit.ly/3qmWbF9.

Shelldale Winter Warmup fundraiser - March 17 (St. Patrick's Day)

March 4, 2021

Shelldale's 8th Winter Warm Up Fundraiserthis year will be St. Patrick's Day style! What a great way to support one of our favourite charities.

DINNER: For $30 per person you can enjoy an authentic three course Irish meal with your choice of Shepherd’s Pie or Corned Beef & Cabbage, ready for contactless pick-up at Shelldale Family Gateway. Order here by March 7th as dinner tickets are limited.

SILENT AUCTION: It will run online from March 7 to March 17, but you can already preview the items here.

ENTERTAINMENT: At 6pm on March 17, you can join the Shelldale Zoom Room to mix and mingle with special guests, and enjoy live music by guitarist and folk singer Bob MacLean.

New Member: Welcome Sue Wigston

February 26, 2021

When our club president Tracey Curtis finally got to meet Sue Wigston, the CEO of GIVESOME, they became 'best buds' within minutes. Very shortly, Tracey was saying, "Sue, you simply have to join Rotary." And here she was, happily being inducted as our newest member.

Welcome to our club, Sue!

Before introducing Sue, here's a little reminder that our club encourages donations and the paying of "Happy Bucks" to any of the four projects we have listed on the terrific Givesome app. Go here.

https://givesome.org/partner/rotaryclubguelph

Rotaract Gala on March 5, 2021 - UPDATE

February 24, 2021 - UPDATE

The Rotaract Club of Guelph's 7th Annual Spring Gala is all set for Friday, March 5th at 7pm, and just needing our support! This year, their chosen beneficiary is the Integrated Youth Network Services (IYSN).

Rotary remains committed to fighting polio and responding to COVID-19

February 27, 2021

This is amazing news.

As Rotary members continue the fight against polio, they’re also responding to the COVID-19 health crisis by addressing the urgent needs of the communities it’s affecting worldwide. And now with the development of COVID-19 vaccines, Rotary is ready to use its expertise in distributing polio vaccine and communicating about vaccine efficacy to assist local health authorities in promoting and delivering COVID-19 vaccinations.

Learn how Rotary’s experience with global polio immunizations is helping COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

Happy Birthday, Rotary!

February 23, 2021

Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Guelph share a birthday, with different ages. Both were founded on February 23rd.

Rotary International in 1905, celebrating 116 years in 2021
Rotary Club of Guelph in 1920, celebrating 101 years in 2021

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Take a 5-minute virtual tour of Rotary International Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois.

Spring "PICK ME UP" bags from Centre Wellington Rotary

February 23, 2021

We're delighted to give a shout-out to our sister club in Centre Wellington for their Spring "PICK ME UP" Bags Fundraiser.

For just $25, each bag includes $38 worth of products from local vendors, including handmade soap, handmade scented candle, chocolates and a spring flower. What a treat to give a "pick me up" to someone special, or even yourself!

To order and pre-pay: either e-transfer $25 to cwrotary05@gmail.com with name and email address, or drop off cash or cheque to Wilmot Financial Services (181 St. Andrew St. E., Unit 6 between 9am and 5pm Mon-Fr). Susanne@WilmotFinancial.ca

Pick up the gift bags on Saturday, March 13 between 1pm and 4pm at the Fergus Community Centre (550 Belsyde Ave. E. Fergus).

Paint Night Success

February 15, 2021

A happy group of around 50 participants joined Ben McCarl at his fourth Paint Night and created individual masterpieces in about an hour a half. The next Paint Night will take place on March 21 - registration details to follow soon.

The Rotary Grove at Guelph's Arboretum

February 14, 2021

Our wonderful Guelph Arboretum is open year-round, from dawn till dusk for walks and exercise ... even during Covid-19 lockdowns.

The Arboretum's January 2021 newsletter had this eye-catching photo (by Justine Richardson) of their intriguing "Octopus Tree". It is a hackberry that was split apart by the 2013 ice storm but left in place, and now sprouts branches growing straight up that look like mini-hackberry trees.

It is located in The Rotary Grove, a collection of over 130 trees comprising 33 varieties, chosen primarily for aesthetic reasons. This grove was established in 1980 to commemorate Rotary International’s 75th Anniversary and the Rotary Club of Guelph’s 60th Anniversary. The inaugural planting took place May 31, 1980 during a visit from Guelph's sister Rotary Club, Japan's Zushi District 259. Four trees were ceremoniously planted: Canada's national tree, the Sugar Maple and three Japanese Maples.

Several years later, in May 1999, the Rotary Club of Guelph dedicated the Rotary Tree Grove to Roy Hammond, a long-time Rotary member and one of The Arboretum’s most dedicated supporters.

It used to be an annual event for RCOG club members to visit the grove and provide maintenence by cutting grass, removing weeds and debris. Jim Anderson was the lead and funds were budgeted in the Environment Committee each year. Funds were paid to the University of Guelph for annual maintenance.

Guelph's Rotary Forest video - view and vote!

February 13, 2021

A short video about Guelph's Rotary Forest project has been entered in a Rotary International contest. Please watch our video and vote for it! A cash prize would help us plant more trees, and the seven best videos in the contest (i.e. most votes) will be rewarded with a local zoom conference with Rotary International's president, Holger Knaack.

It's an easy two-step process:

Go here to register: https://www.ifixtheplanet.org/register/
Then go here to watch and vote: https://www.ifixtheplanet.org/contestants/trees-trails-a-nature-centre-observatory-and-planetarium/

Please share our Guelph pride story and invite others to watch and vote too!

@RotaryGuelph

#Guelph

#IFixThePlanet

#ESRAG

Kudos to Carolyn Weatherson (past president, Rotary Club of Guelph, 2019-2020) for cleverly creating this video.

Bottle drive to support Guatemala projects

February 12, 2021

Our Rotary club member, Domingo Bernal, grew up in Guatemala and a piece of heart will always belong there. Last November, when his birthland experienced devastating damage caused by back-to-back hurricanes Iota and Eta, just two weeks apart, it severely compounded local hardships already made harder by COVID-19.

Now a businessman living in Guelph with his family, Domingo was heartbroken to hear from Guatemala contacts just how bad the situation and suffering was. So he decided to act. He jumped into fundraising mode and then travelled to Guatemala, spending four weeks helping to organize practical relief and connecting with aid agencies. His contribution and self-sacrifice was an exemplary example of Service Above Self. This has also laid the groundwork for future projects to help with the start-up of small enterprises in Guatemala to generate family income and improve quality of life for participants.

Domingo is now chair of our club's World Service sub-committee for Latin America, and he has specific ideas on how Rotary can make a difference, in both Guatemala and Honduras, short term and long term. Domingo is our favourite kind of Rotarian ... a "make it happen" kind of person with vision, passion and huge empathy, so this story is likely to have many follow-up chapters!

Meanwhile, Domingo's fundraising for Guatemala continues through an ongoing Bottle Drive collecting beer, wine and liquor bottles: http://www.videsa.org/bottle-drive/ and donations through www.videsa.org/donat e. You can contact Domingo (through the Videsa website) to arrange pick up, or you can drop them off at location, or even return your bottles to stores to redeem the deposits and then make a donation to Videsa.

National Flag of Canada Day - February 15th

February 15, 2021

Most of us know that the third Monday of February is a public holiday called FAMILY DAY in Ontario and four other provinces. This year, it falls on Monday, February 15. This holiday celebrates the importance of families and family life to people and their communities. Family Day is a public holiday where it is a day off for the general population, with schools and most businesses closed.

But do you know that February 15 is also the NATIONAL FLAG OF CANADA DAY? At the stroke of noon on February 15, 1965, Canada’s red and white maple leaf flag was raised for the very first time on Parliament Hill. On the same date in 1996, National Flag of Canada Day was declared. Our national flag is a symbol that unites Canadians and reflects the common values we hold dear — equality, diversity and inclusion. You can read more interesting history about our flag on the government's website here.

On February 15, 2021, let’s celebrate the #CanadianFlag!

The Rotary Club of All Nations

February 6, 2021

Today, some of our club members attended a 30-minute, Saturday morning Rotary meeting to hear Doug Vincent, former District Governor of our club's District 7080 and a Rotary representative at the United Nations, speak about Rotary's involvement with the UN. A fascinating story of how Rotary was a charter member of forming the United Nations, and is still a key player. (Read more here: https://www.rotary.org/en/history-rotary-and-united-nations)

Attending this online meeting also introduced us to a very interesting group - a Rotary e-club that claims to be one of the newest, fastest- growing and most diverse Rotary clubs in the world: The Rotary Club of All Nations. (https://www.facebook.com/RotaryCAN/)

This online club is not bound by the geographic location that usually determines club members, since the e-club members can connect from anywhere in the world, and they do. In fact, they meet on the first and third Saturday morning of each month, for a short, sharp 30 minutes with a guest speaker of note, and they livestream their meetings on Facebook. All are welcome to attend meetings and/or join their e-club.

E-clubs are an interesting development as Rotary continues to evolve and find news ways of bringing people together.

Valentine Silent Auction

February 2, 2021

Here in Guelph, we are lucky have quite a number of Rotarians wanting to volunteer their time and service to help others - too many Rotarians for just one club, so the city of Guelph has FOUR Rotary Clubs, each meeting in a different part of the city and at different times. We also have Rotary clubs in nearby Fergus and Elora, as well as a Rotaract club (for younger people) at the University of Guelph. It's very easy for new members to find a local Rotary Club whose weekly meetings can fit into their schedule. http://rotaryofgw.ca

The local Rotary clubs are best of friends, stay in close touch and support each others' activities.

The Rotary Club of Guelph South has just launched this wonderful fundraiser. Take a look at the great items on their silent auction running from February 1-12, 2021 and know that ALL funds raised will support good causes that help make the world a better place.

ROTARY VALENTINE AUCTION 2021

https://giving.trellis.org/valentine_auction/auction

Black Heritage Month 2021 in Guelph and #ChangeStartsNow

February 1, 2021

This February, the Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) calls on the community to help honour the past, celebrate today, and look toward the future, building goodwill and better friendships.

Since 1995, February has been celebrated as Black History Month in Canada. In Guelph, the month of February has mostly highlighted past contributions by Black historical figures.

From 2021, the Guelph Black Heritage Society and its partners (the University of Guelph’s Cultural Diversity Office and the Guelph Black Student’s Association) have decided to do things a little differently, by celebrating Black Heritage Month.

“This month will commemorate past and present accomplishments within the Black community and set sights on our bright future ahead,” reads a press release from the GBHS. “While we will continue to acknowledge the resilience and bravery of those who came before us, we must recognize that Black history and experiences are much more than the narrative of slavery.”

Several events in February will take place in support of the #ChangeStartsNow education initiative.

Annual Green Square Campaign in Canada

January 29, 2021

This week, you might have noticed people on TV and elsewhere wearing a green square. The annual "Green Square Campaign" was launched in 2020 as a reminder against the terrorist attack at a Quebec City mosque on January 29, 2017, when an Islamophobic white supremacist shot dead six Muslim men as they prayed.

The Green Square Campaign now takes place in the week leading up to January 29 each year to remember  the victims and survivors of this attack, and all who were devastated by this hateful act. 

The "Green Square" represents a symbol of solidarity and hope towards building goodwill and better friendships.

Paint Night Winter Session - February 15, 2021

Our Rotary Paint Nights, led by Ben McCarl, have become so popular that we've offered to run one in conjunction with the Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo Wellington, giving more people the chance to have some creative fun.

The next Paint Night will be on Monday evening of Family Day, February 15, 2021 starting online at 6pm. It's open to all, free to attend, with donations welcomed by the Integrated Youth Services Network. Participants will paint the pretty winter scene shown below, supplying their own materials (see below).

Space is limited, so register early. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/paint-night-tickets-137997892411

The zoom link will be emailed to registered participants on the morning of February 15th.

ART FOR AID PROJECT - a huge success

January 2021

In August 2020, our club helped seek art supplies and board games to send to elementary schools in remote Northern Indigenous communities, for ART FOR AID projects.

The project was a huge success! Organized by the Rotary Clubs of Oakville and Oakville-Trafalgar, they received welcome support and donations from Rotary Clubs in Mississauga, Burlington, Kitchener, Milton and Guelph, as well as Art Societies, community individual donors and volunteers. The organizing committee is shown in this photo.

When we all work together, amazing things can happen. In October 2020, art supplies were shipped to 19 northern communities across Canada, boxes of wool to Iqaluit, books to Six Nations, paper to the Mississaugas of the New Credit, board games to Nibinamik and novels to Tyendinaga.

Chi miigwetch!

Rotary Global Grant for a Water Project in Ontario

January 9, 2021

Read the fascinating story of how a Rotary Global Grant was awarded for a water project in Ontario.

This information is available as a PDF download. Scroll down on Home Page to Download Files (on right hand side) and click on "WATER FIRST Global Grant Project."

Land Acknowledgement

A Land or Territorial Acknowledgement is a tradition that has dated back centuries for Indigenous people, but for many non-Indigenous Canadians, officially recognizing the territory or lands we stand on is a fairly new concept. Indigenous people say it marks a small but essential step toward reconciliation.

Our Rotary Club of Guelph often uses the following Land Acknowledgement statement, developed by our Indigenous Awareness Committee, and similar to the one read before Guelph City Council meetings.

As we gather, we are reminded that Guelph is situated on treaty land that is steeped in rich indigenous history and has been home to a variety of peoples over the millennia. Today, this area has become home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. As a community, we have a responsibility for the stewardship of the land on which we live and work. Today, we acknowledge the historic Mississaugas of the Credit, the First Nation people who were the treaty signatories of the territory on which we are meeting.

To learn more on this topic, see the background document prepared by our club's Indigenous Awareness Committee. Scroll down on Home Page to Download Files (on right hand side) and click on "Land and Territorial Acknowledgements."

Also take a few minutes to watch this video. https://vimeo.com/517181293 (5:40)

This video started out as a University of Guelph student project interviewing a local elder, Jan Sherman, about Land Acknowledgements. It was later developed into a script with animation and music being added by Indigenous artists, and narrated by a local Indigenous leader, Bruce Weaver.

Sparkles in the Park 2020 version

December 20, 2020

This year marks the 22nd year of Rotary bringing Sparkles in the Park to the Guelph community, and the first year in association with Downtown Guelph Business Association. Sparkles runs from December 19 to December 31, 2020 each evening at Riverside Park.

When Covid-19 presented challenges about holding this annual event, the Rotary Club of Guelph couldn't bear the thought of disappointing our community, at a time when we all NEED some good cheer! So thinking caps went on, we conferred with our city officials, and a drive-through, socially distanced plan was devised. It needed some compromises. We had to forego fireworks on New Year's eve, and also cancel the free carousel rides for children, but what is left is still glorious ... with a couple of new twists such as Santa waving at passersby from a large bubble.

When you visit, remember that it's also a fundraiser for charity. Please donate what you can. This QR code links to our fundraising page for tax receiptable online donations here, but you can also donate with cash at the park, or by card with with tap-and-go near the park entrance.

Our MPP Mike Schreiner and his wife Sandy volunteered at the very first shift of Sparkles, and posted these photos.

Young Rotary volunteers honoured by Guelph mayor

December 11, 2020

After volunteering at Rotary's Sparkles in the Park for the past three years by helping take down lights on New Year's Day to earn high school volunteer hours, teenagers Kaylyn and Amber Proudfoot became Friends of Rotary because they were so impressed by the many charitable causes that Rotary supports.

Now 19 years old, the girls were diagnosed with autism and anxiety at a very young age. Through ongoing communications with Rotary member Terrie Jarvis, it became evident that the girls are passionate about many different causes, that they are driven by their heartfelt desire to make the world a better place, and that their fundraising abilities are astonishing. In the past 10 years, they've raised and donated some $30,000, with $3,000 of that being within this difficult Covid year.

On Friday, December 11, 2020, Mayor Cam Guthrie presented Kaylyn and Amber with a certificate of appreciation from the City of Guelph for their extraordinary community service, coinciding with their latest charitable donation to Rotary of $300.45 which was designated by them for specific programs and accepted on behalf of Rotary by Terrie.

Kaylyn and Amber, we are so proud to have you as Friends of Rotary!

'Twas the night before Christmas 2020 version

December 18, 2020

Each Christmas, our talented Rotarian, Murray Taylor, delights us with a newly penned Christmas poem, relevant to the times. Here is his Christmas 2020 version. HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE!

John Valeriote: A retired Rotarian and his good deeds

December 7, 2020

One of our club's former Rotarians, John Valeriote, was highlighted in this wonderful article in Guelph Today. The article is reproduced here in its entirety, with thanks to Guelph Today.

Firstly, we join the community in congratulating John on receiving the prestigious Alexander Lincoln Award - richly deserved! Secondly, the article shares fascinating insights about some of the projects that John supported in Guelph during his amazing 45 years as a Rotarian.

GUELPH TODAY ARTICLE - DECEMBER 3, 2020

John Valeriote recognized for his years of community service

‘I have been very fortunate,’ says John Valeriote about his community efforts and the people he's worked with

Dec 3, 2020 10:00 AM By: Ariel Deutschmann

John Valeriote. Kenneth Armstrong/GuelphToday file photo

Rotary Paint Night - Christmas Edition

November 24, 2020

Join us for Rotary's Christmas Paint Night with Ben McCarl and create your own acrylic painting of this adorable Santa.

This free virtual event will run from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on December 13 on Zoom. All you need is a canvas, paints (red, blue, yellow, black and white), brushes and a festive attitude.

Let Ben know if you and your kids would like to join this fun session online. Click here for our registration page.

Our latest Rotary donations helping worthy programs

November 20, 2020

In this strange COVID year, with so many of Rotary's normal fundraising activities restricted, our intrepid members are being creative in finding new opportunities and adaptations to old ones. For example, our 40th annual Lobsterfest dinner-dance-auction fundraiser in September became a dinner take-out with our silent auction successfully conducted online. While less funds were raised than in a 'normal' year, the committee still surpassed its goal of raising $15,000 for charity. And now those net proceeds are being disbursed to worthy causes.

Read on to see how HOPE House and Shelldale are amongst the latest programs receiving special support from our Rotary funding. And a big thank you to all our hard-working Rotary fund raisers!

Hospice Wellington's 40th anniversary and Rotary Guelph's 100th

In the Fall 2020 newsletter of Hospice Wellington, Executive Director Pat Stuart wrote this:

"Our 40th anniversary was not about a big celebration but rather a tribute to what we accomplish together. Thanks to people like Judith Tresidder who sat at community tables so long ago, daring to dream of this facility. I also thank Tracey Curtis, President of the Rotary Club of Guelph. This year marks her club’s 100 years of service in Guelph, one of their projects being the deep support of Hospice Wellington. This Rotary Club and all the Rotary Clubs in Guelph and Wellington have been steadfast friends to Hospice Wellington. We are so proud to have your motto of 'Service Above Self' at work here."

The photo shows Pat and Tracey outside the building on Scottsdale Drive.

Finding the balance during COVID-19: Special Guest - Dr. Nicola Mercer *UPDATE*

November 20, 2020

What started out as a one-time webinar to bring together physical and mental health experts for a community conversation about FINDING THE BALANCE IN COVID-19 has become a well-attended SERIES of talks, clearly demonstrating their value in both information and inspiration. Attendance is free and donations are welcomed by Bracelet of Hope, the charity started by Dr. Anne-Marie Zadjlik and currently chaired by Tracey Curtis. Be sure to tune in for the next webinar on December 14, 2020. Sign up here.

Here is the recording of the webinar held on Thursday, November 19 with special guest, Dr. Nicola Mercer. It was excellent and attended by over a thousand viewers. Read about it on Guelph Today here. Shown in the screenshot, L to R, are:

Our regular awesome panel:

Marva Wisdom (Rotary Club of Guelph) - Webinar Moderator
Tracey Curtis (Rotary Club of Guelph) - Webinar Host
Dr. Anne-Marie Zadjlik (Rotary Club of Guelph) - Family Doctor, Bracelet of Hope Founder, Covid Warrior on Facebook
Helen Fishburn - Executive Director, CMHA Waterloo Wellington, Mental Health Expert

Special guest on November 19 was:

Dr. Nicola Mercer - Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health

SEE DR. MERCER'S LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY, BELOW.

A Christmas shout-out for good causes

November 14, 2020

At this time of year, there are many appeals for wonderful events and fundraisers. In good community spirit, here's a shout-out to some of them, with links where you can get more details. Support where you can, but mostly, help by 'spreading the word'. Details are below about:

Christmas Bags from ourselves, the Rotary Club of Guelph
The annual Christmas Joy Home Tour fundraiser for HOPE House.
The annual Guelph Toy Drive for kids in need.
The annual Cheese Gift Bags from our friends at the Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora.

Remembrance Day and red poppies

Each November, leading up to Remembrance Day on November 11, red poppies are worn in honour of those who have sacrificed so that we can be free, and to raise funds in support of veterans from all wars and defence forces.

Poppies were highlighted in the famous poem, In Flanders Fields, written on the 3rd of May 1915, by John McCrae, a soldier-poet-physician who came from Guelph. The City of Guelph feels a particular attachment to the poem and to the commemorative red poppies worn each November.

Rotary Guelph's 2020 Christmas will be TWICE as good as usual!

November 5, 2020

We’ve got both SPARKLES and CHRISTMAS IN THE BAG!

Great news from the Rotary Club of Guelph. The COVID Grinch is NOT stealing our Christmas 2020!

In fact, we are DOUBLING our Christmas celebrations this year to bring enjoyment to the community and support for local charities with both Rotary Sparkles in the Park and Rotary Has Christmas In The Bag.

[Read more]

Finding the balance during COVID-19: Free monthly talks

UPDATE: THIS EVENT WAS QUICKLY "SOLD OUT" ON EVENTBRITE BUT A RECORDING IS AVAILABLE HERE ON THE FACEBOOK PAGE ESTABLISHED FOR THIS SERIES

November 3, 2020

Coping with the ongoing COVID pandemic is proving to be quite a challenge for many of us.

To help us find a balance, a monthly series of talks has been scheduled to take place this winter, hosted by Dr. Anne Marie Zajdlik and Helen Fishburn of the Canadian Mental Health Association-Waterloo Wellington, with sessions facilitated by Marva Wisdom. Both Anne Marie and Marva are members of the Rotary Club of Guelph.

Each session will have a community leader as guest speaker. The next session on November 9 will feature Dr. Doug Friars, Guelph Family Health Team and Guelph COVID-19 Clinic Lead.

To participate, you need to sign up in advance, here: findingthebalanceduringcovid19.eventbrite.ca

Attending is free but donations will be gratefully received and shared with Bracelet of Hope and HOPE House.

Integrated Youth Services Network Wellington/ Guelph

November 2, 2020

A grassroots community initiative is well underway, led by the Rotary Club of Guelph, to bring an integrated youth services model to Wellington County and the city of Guelph. Where youth (age 12 – 26) are at the centre of services that are available in our community, and youth have equal access to a continuum of services from employment to mental health and addiction services.

Our vision includes service providers working together to enhance the integration of services and build a system to better meet the needs of youth in our community.

Update on our club's Centennial Legacy Projects

October 23, 2020

Carolyn Weatherson, club past president 2019-2020, and Jim MacKenzie, chair of our club's centennial committee, provided the following update on our club's Centennial Legacy Projects with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and the City of Guelph.

The Rotary Forest
The new Nature Centre
The Observatory and Planetarium
The Rotary Forest Trail
The Link Trail

The Rotary Foundation (TRF)

November is Rotary Foundation Month.

The Rotary International Foundation transforms donations into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary International, The Rotary Foundation (TRF) taps into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into Rotary priorities such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.

Strong financial oversight, a stellar charity rating, and a unique funding model mean that The Rotary Foundations makes the very most of all contributions. Donations to the End Polio Now campaign are matched 2-for-1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Give and become a part of Rotary’s life-changing work!

Rotary donates cheque and plaque to KidsAbility Guelph

October 19, 2020

The Rotary Club of Guelph has a long history of supporting children with special needs. In fact, one of the very earliest press clippings we found in our archives, while researching our hundred year history since 1920, was about this very topic. (Also well documented in our club's wonderful centennial book.)

Today, the amazing KidsAbility organization serves thousands of children with special needs at locations in Guelph, Fergus, Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. Our Rotary Club has been a supporter of KidsAbility for many years.

On October 19, 2020 we presented KidsAbility with a cheque for $2,000 as well as a plaque made to commemorate our long shared history in Guelph as part of our club's centennial. The plaque will be proudly displayed in the Guelph location.

Pictured from left to right are:

Elspeth Singh - daughter of Betty Raffan who is mentioned in the plaque;

Tracey Curtis - president of the Rotary Club of Guelph 2019-2020;

Linda Kenny - CEO of KidsAbility;

Lisa Talbot - Executive Director of the KidsAbility Foundation.

Dr. Sylvia Whitlock: Rotary's first female president of a Rotary Club

October 16, 2020

Our Rotary Club was honoured to host Dr. Sylvia Whitlock as guest speaker, via Zoom from her home in California. What an entertaining and informative story she told about how women members were finally admitted to Rotary only after it actually became a 'civil rights issue' that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1987. The court ruled that Rotary did not meet the definition of a 'private club' and therefore could not exclude female members. While Rotary International lost its legal battle to remain a 'men's club' it proved fortuitous, as history shows. That same year, Sylvia became Rotary's first ever female president of a Rotary Club, thus breaking the glass ceiling for hundreds of thousands of women who have served in Rotary ever since.

Sylvia also described how she is still a "Rotary Geek" serving humanitarian causes and encouraging absolutely everyone she meets to become Rotarian - as should we all.

Sylvia's personal and engaging story is on this video (36 minutes) where she is introduced by Jennifer Jones. Jennifer (a Canadian!) will become Rotary International's first ever female president in 2022-2023.

Rotary has come a long way since its founding in 1905.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HuYE6IbE4g&feature=youtu.be

The plus in PolioPlus

October 17, 2020

Rotary's involvement with the End Polio campaign began in 1979 with a multi-year project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Since then, along with our global partners, we have helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries. We have helped to reduce polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide and we won't stop until we end the disease for good.

In 1985, Rotary launched PolioPlus to bring many added benefits to the polio eradication efforts. The “plus” could be providing a hand-operated tricycle for a polio survivor, or providing access to clean water in a community. It might be additional medical treatment, bed nets, or soap. A 2010 study estimates that vitamin A drops given to children at the same time as the polio vaccine have prevented 1.25 million deaths by decreasing susceptibility to infectious diseases.

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Tracey Curtis

I will never forget my introduction to Rotary. I was in Lesotho with Bracelet of Hope, along with Jim Wadleigh and Noma Vales who were representing Rotary. I saw the impact of delivering computers to schools and of gardens planted in the foster homes and of chickens laying eggs for our foster children… and I got it… this was all because of Rotary! I saw for myself the power of being a Rotarian and serving those who need it most. Now I, too, am proud to call myself a Rotarian for life and am further honoured and so humbled to serve as your 2020/2021 President. Thank you for your confidence in me!

I never imagined becoming your President and certainly not in the middle of a world-wide pandemic. Regardless of what life has in store for us, some of it outside our control, I promise to make our Rotary year meaningful, both for members and for those we serve. For that, I humbly ask for your support … because I will need it.

This year I want to focus on the health of our club, our members and our families. Each have different needs to be met which we must understand to be able to tackle them head-on. In this, we can each serve in whatever capacity we are able.

Here we are in 2020 and the world seems upside down. Who would have thought that the pressing issues that confront us at the writing of this introduction, including the fight for racial equality and the fight against a deadly pandemic across the world, would be our most significant challenges? Sadly, it is like a throw-back to fighting the polio epidemic or the AIDS crisis and fighting for equality in the 1950’s and 60’s. We may find that we are even better equipped to confront both.

Our world today needs Rotarians more than ever – strong, caring, empathetic, service-focused. We as Rotarians are uniquely positioned as a truly global organization, to elevate discussion and dialogue toward better understanding of each other. Our theme for the 2020 – 2021 Rotary year, Rotary Opens Opportunities, is timely. It serves as our 2020 call to action. Our 1.2 million members around the world are a literal United Nations of ethnicities, working together for the greater good.

I am grateful to be your President on our journey together where we can individually and collectively commit to opening opportunities for all.